Protecting Academic Freedom A Beacon of Fairness
The silent violence that occurs in universities—academic harassment.
As an independent external body, we are committed to eradicating its roots and protecting the future of researchers and students.
Signatures, donations, collaboration, reporting. Your will, in any form, becomes our strength.
About Us
Our Mission and Team
Junya Ono
Ph.D. (Medicine)
International Advisory Board Member, Academic Parity Movement
(International organization aiming to eradicate academic harassment)
Academic harassment—it is a silent violence that steals dreams and dignity. In the supposedly free environment of a university, why must young people hold their breath, their talents crushed? I can no longer overlook this quiet despair. This strong sense of anger and frustration is the origin of all my activities.
That is why I have stood up as an external eye, free from conflicts of interest and entanglements. Through independent evaluation, institutional reform, and solidarity via an international network, I ask for your help to reclaim a campus where researchers and students can proudly say, "I want to know," and "I want to create."
Why is a Third-Party Organization Necessary?
Overcoming the "Structural Walls"
Universities have counseling services. So why does the harm never cease?
The answer lies in the "structural walls" inherent in university organizations. The voices of victims are often blocked by these invisible walls, silenced before they can reach a fair resolution.
The "Three Walls" That Stand in the Way
The Wall of Power Imbalance
The fear of retaliation for speaking out silences victims.
The Wall of Insider Bias
Organizational dynamics that seek to avoid publicizing problems lead to insufficient investigations and downplaying of complaints.
The Wall of Opacity
An environment where the reality is hard to see from the outside and objective evidence is difficult to obtain becomes a breeding ground for harassment.
As the Only "Bridge" to Overcome the Walls
To break down these deep-rooted walls, we are convinced that we must be an "external, independent third-party organization." J-ARC has no conflicts of interest with university organizations and conducts investigations and evaluations from a neutral and fair standpoint, unswayed by favoritism or internal dynamics.
Instead of silencing your voice inside the walls, please use us as a "bridge" to your future.
4 Ways to Join & Support
Help expand the "academic safety net" in a way that suits you.
First, show your support with a "Like."
You can express your support for this activity with a single click.
Current Endorsers: ...
Further, show strong support with your signature.
Please allow us to add your name to the proposal to be submitted to the National Diet, MEXT, and university associations.
Your name and affiliation will be submitted to the relevant parties along with the proposal and will be automatically published on our "List of Endorsers" on this site.
List of Endorsers
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The Reality of Academic Harassment
A Pervasive, Damaging Problem
Academic harassment is not a rare problem that occurs in special environments. The overwhelming power imbalance with supervisors, closed research labs, and the neglect of individual dignity under the guise of "for the sake of academia." This is the harsh reality faced by the researchers who are supposed to shape our future.
Suffer in Silence
Many victims are isolated, unable to confide in anyone for fear of retaliation or disadvantage.
Experience Mental Distress
Harassment deeply wounds the mind and body, often leading to depression and anxiety disorders.
That is why our work is essential.
Our Solutions
How We Address the Problem
External Audits
As an independent third party, we investigate the reality of harassment and provide fair evaluation and certification.
System Design Support
We assist in designing concrete systems, such as effective harassment prevention policies and consultation services.
Preventive Education & Training
We provide training and workshops for students and staff to prevent harassment before it occurs.
International Collaboration
We collaborate with experts worldwide to address Japan's challenges from a global perspective.
J-ARC Certification System
Based on fair evaluations, we certify universities and research institutions with safe academic environments.
Tools to "Know, Measure, Learn"
Concrete tools we provide to protect you.
Academic Harassment Typology
"Knowing" becomes your shield. "Is this academic harassment?" We answer that question.
Harassment Consultation Navigator
The "first step" in dealing with academic harassment. We navigate you to the best consultation service for your situation.
Harassment Objective Assessment Scale
How serious is your experience? We objectively assess the severity of your situation.
Academic Environment & Lab Health Check
Is our research lab truly "healthy"?
Harassment Knowledge Training
Protect yourself and your peers with knowledge. Train your understanding of harassment with a quiz!
Impact & Transparency
Our Results and Accountability
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Supporters
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Universities w/ Annual Training
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Policy Revision Proposal Adoption Rate
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Total Training Participants
Your Support Changes the Future
"After the external audit, the number of student consultations halved compared to the previous year. I feel the atmosphere on campus has clearly changed."
— President of N University (Private)
"After reporting anonymously, I was able to avoid a halt in my research (due to obstruction in the ethics committee). I'm truly glad I didn't give up and spoke out."
— Ph.D. Student
Our Vision & Roadmap
Our Plan for the Future
2026
Foundation Phase
Focus on establishing the external audit system, launching preventive education programs, and building a nationwide network of supporters and collaborators.
2027-2028
Expansion & Standardization Phase
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Develop J-ARC Evaluation Guidelines 1.0:
Systematize academic harassment response standards and research integrity indicators to build a foundation for fair evaluation.
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Launch the J-ARC Certification System (tentative name):
Grant certification marks to universities and research institutions with safe academic environments based on evaluation results.
- Strengthen data-based policy advocacy and fully engage in collaboration with overseas institutions.
2029 Onwards
Autonomous Improvement Phase
Build an ecosystem where universities can autonomously maintain a healthy environment. Aim for the widespread adoption of the certification system and the launch of our own **academic journal** accepting submissions.
Organizations Sharing Our Vision
We respect the activities of domestic and international organizations that share our vision for a healthier academic environment, and we aim to build collaborative relationships with them.
Contact Us
For inquiries about training, lectures, media coverage, or other matters, please contact us here.
Your Voice Can Save Academia.
Don't suffer alone. Please talk to us. Share the facts through a secure channel and take the first step towards a solution. We will strictly protect your identity and privacy.